Embedded Software Technical Lead
R-Zero
About R-Zero
R-Zero offers smart building technology that delivers real-time occupancy and energy insights, which ultimately helps buildings reduce energy costs, improve net operating income and increase asset value. R-Zero’s occupancy based demand control ventilation solutions include IAQ and comfort monitoring, high-efficiency HVAC filtration, space utilization sensors, occupancy-based building controls, and real estate performance analytics. R-Zero’s intuitive, secure and scalable platform enables owners, operators, and their tenants to cut building operating expenses and carbon emissions, with zero upfront costs. Learn more at www.rzero.com.
About the Role
R-Zero is a smart, agile company at an exciting inflection point. We are utilizing our IoT experience, and the sensors we have deployed in buildings around the world to slash energy waste and to save our customers millions of dollars. Our sensors and gateways connect our customers’ buildings to the power of modern software infrastructure.
We're looking for an experienced embedded software developer who's ready to do more than write great code: someone who wants to shape technical strategy, solve unique and complex problems, and help drive our business forward.
This role offers exceptional breadth and ownership for the right person. You'll work across our full embedded software stack—from close-to-the-metal firmware to edge-ML implementations to embedded Linux systems. You'll make critical architectural decisions, manage augmented teams, influence product direction, and build the cross-functional processes that will scale with us. If you've been waiting for a chance to move beyond narrow specialization and own something meaningful, this is it.
What You'll Do
- Design and implement embedded software solutions across our technology stack
- Define technical strategy and make architectural decisions that shape our product roadmap
- Lead distributed teams of contractors as needed to extend our capabilities
- Establish repeatable processes to help us move from startup to scale: automated testing frameworks, CI/CD pipelines, and deployment processes
- Provide technical leadership while staying hands-on with code
- Collaborate with field teams to support deployed systems and inform future development
- Bridge technical and business conversations, translating complex constraints into strategic opportunities
About You
Experience:
- 8+ years in technical software development, with deep embedded systems expertise
- 2+ years leading technical teams in a hands-on capacity
- You have built, shipped and supported multiple embedded products
- Track record in both large organizations and startup environments
- Experience working with the Software team on hybrid projects
- End-to-end embedded development experience, including: test automation, CI/CD and field support
Technical Skills:
- Expert level software development in C, C++ or Rust
- Strong foundation in embedded Linux
- Proficiency with higher-level languages (we use Node.js for parts of our stack)
- Experience with edge ML is a plus
- Smart building experience is a plus
How you work:
Beyond the technical credentials, we're looking for someone who embodies:
- Ownership – You see problems as yours to solve and take initiative without waiting for someone to ask
- Scrappiness – R-Zero is a small company taking on large incumbents. We need to make daily progress on the things that matter to customers and ignore the rest
- Collaborative Leadership – You elevate the people around you, build consensus, and lead through influence as much as authority
Why This Role Is Different
Most senior positions ask you to specialize. This one asks you to integrate. You'll touch every part of our embedded ecosystem, influence decisions across the company, and have genuine impact on our trajectory. For someone energized by variety, ownership, and the chance to build something significant, this is a rare opportunity.
Physical Requirements
| Physical Requirements | Rarely (0 – 12%) | Occasionally (13 – 33%) | Frequently (34 – 64%) | Regularly (65 – 100%) |
| Seeing: Must be able to read reports & computer monitors. | x | |||
| Hearing: Must be able to hear well enough to communicate with others. | x | |||
| Sitting: Must be able to sit for prolonged periods of time. | x | |||
| Standing: Must be able to stand for prolonged periods of time. | x | |||
| Reaching/Climbing/Stooping/Kneeling: | x | |||
| Grasping/Feeling: Must be able to write & use a keyboard, tablet or phone system. | x | |||
| Lifting/Pulling/Pushing: Must be able to lift, push and pull at least 75 lbs. | x | |||
| Lifting Requirements | Rarely (0 – 12%) | Occasionally (13 – 33%) | Frequently (34 – 64%) | Regularly (65 – 100%) |
| 0 – 25 lbs. | x | |||
| 26 – 50 lbs. | x | |||
| 51+ lbs. | x |
The salary range for this position will vary based on candidate level, experience, and location. The base salary for this position contemplates a range of $X - $Y. Certain roles may be eligible for incentive compensation, equity, and benefits. Proof of eligibility to work in the United States and a background check is required upon employment.
R-Zero’s benefits program includes:
- Generous time-off policies and paid holidays
- Competitive total compensation with equity
- Health benefits (medical, dental, vision) and 401(k) program starting on day one
- Up to 12 weeks paid parental leave
- Monthly stipend to support home internet and cell phone for work purposes
- Budget for WFH equipment
- Monthly in-office lunches and happy hours for people based in the SF Bay Area
- Learning and development support
- Hybrid work environment with only 1-2 mandatory days per month in office for people based in the SF Bay Area
Working Environment For employees in the San Francisco Bay Area: Work is at the Company’s work location in San Francisco, in an office setting and is performed during the Company’s core business hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The noise level in the office is usually moderate. You will be required to bring your R-Zero provided lap top and sit at the provided office workstations. Sitting for prolonged periods of time is required as are the additional physical requirements listed below. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
DISCLAIMER STATEMENT
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this classification. The Company reserves the right to add or make changes at any time. This is not intended to change the at will relationship.
EEO STATEMENT
R-Zero is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. We welcome all qualified applicants to apply at R-Zero and we strive to select the best qualified applicant for each position in our organization. Applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic data, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or other legally protected status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. R-Zero complies with all laws and regulations relating to employment discrimination and is always committed to doing what's right.
By submitting your application, you acknowledge that you freely give informed consent to the collection, processing, use, and storage of your personal information as described therein.